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The Daily Insight Hub

What is an acceptable use of credit?

Author

William Jenkins

Updated on January 19, 2026

And while your credit utilization ratio is only one factor contributing to your score, the idea that anything below 30% is acceptable could be doing some consumers a disservice.

What are two bad ways to use credit?

And where bad credit moves are concerned, these are some of the worst:

  • Missing payments.
  • Maxing out an account.
  • Going over your limit.
  • Constantly transferring your balance.
  • Opening too many new accounts.
  • Only paying the minimum due.
  • Cosigning on a card you don’t control.
  • Taking out a cash advance.

What are some improper uses of credit?

Here are a few ways you may be using plastic the wrong way:

  • You’re opening too many credit cards at once.
  • You’re paying the minimum balance each month.
  • You’re paying off cards with low interest rates first.
  • You’re using them for discounts.
  • You’re ignoring your bills.
  • You aren’t monitoring your credit report.

What are three bad uses of credit?

10 Bad Credit Card Habits You Must Break

  • Not Reading Your Credit Card Statements.
  • Not Reading Your Credit Card Statements.
  • Pulling out Your Credit Card Instead of Your Debit Card.
  • Paying Only the Minimum.
  • Habitually Paying Your Credit Card Late.
  • Transferring Balances to Avoid Payments.
  • Taking out Cash Advances.

What are the disadvantages of using credit?

Disadvantages of using credit cards Encouraging impulsive and unnecessary “wanted” purchases. High-interest rates if not paid in full by the due date. Annual fees for some credit cards – can become expensive over the years. Fee charged for late payments.

What are some bad credit habits?

Some of the most common bad credit habits include:

  • Not checking your credit regularly.
  • Paying late or less than the minimum on your debts.
  • Not reading your credit card statements.
  • Running up balances on your credit cards.
  • Closing old credit card accounts.

What’s the best way to use your credit?

Good Uses of Credit. Build up your credit score. In order to build your credit to prove your creditworthiness to potential lenders, you need to use credit responsibly and consistently. Use credit in an emergency.

What are good and bad uses of credit?

Bad Uses of Credit Use credit to extend your income. Your credit cards should be used for their convenience, ease of use, and relative safety – not as a way to make ends meet. If you are using your credit card to make everyday purchases that you cannot afford to pay in cash, then you are on the verge (at least) of debt trouble.

Do you have to use credit the right way?

When you’re working to build or rebuild your credit history, how you use credit is everything. You must use credit the right way to build and maintain a good credit score. Unfortunately, credit cards don’t come with a manual telling you how to use them responsibly.

Is it good to have a credit card?

Credit card usage has the potential to be a positive tool for credit building or a method of amassing devastating debt. By understanding how to use a credit card appropriately, you avoid serious problems with your credit report, credit score and bank balance.